2009 Annual Appeal Letter

Board of Directors

John F.B. Haney, M.D.

Chairman

Ethel Mantzaris

President

David Correll

Treasurer

Margaret Martin, Ph.D.

Secretary

F. Jean Bennett

Member at Large

Christopher Burke

Member at Large

Janet Jones

Member at Large

Christine Robinson

Member at Large

Janit Romayko

Member at Large

Stephenie Guess

Member at Large

Ellen Lang

Member at Large

 

Dear Friends:

The protracted and rather contentious debate is finally over, and the State of Connecticut’s new two year budget is a reality. Sadly, non-profit agencies such as Perception Programs, which depend greatly on State grants, will have no increase in funding. The potential for loss of revenue is also very real, while operating expenses continue to grow.

Against this backdrop of financial constraints, Perception Programs remains steadfast to its mission of reducing the incidence of substance abuse, criminal and at-risk behaviors by providing a continuum of care from inpatient to supportive housing. The staff continues to be heartened by the successes of our clients.

Recently, a former client of the Brooklyn/Bridge Program, a residential substance abuse program for male offenders, wrote to the Program Director. He stated, " I graduated from Brooklyn/Bridge one year ago today...I am still clean, still free, and at peace with myself. I am still working, and have an incredible sponsor. I send to you enormous amounts of gratitude for helping me to find a life beyond my wildest dreams."

This year, Perception Programs was recognized by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services as one of the few Connecticut agencies to have earned Enhanced Dual Diagnosis status per the Dartmouth College Dual Diagnosis Capability Assessment Tool. Staff honed their expertise by participating in an 18-month DMHAS co-occurring project, which culminated in this prestigious assignation.

PPI's annual appeal is now underway, and again, we seek your invaluable financial support to help us maintain programs which are making significant differences in our clients' lives.

Please join us in making PPI your year-end charitable priority. Your support is vital, and most appreciated. Best wishes to you and yours for a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Sincerely,

Christine Robinson

Chair, Fundraising Committee

Linda Mastrianni

Executive Director
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